Mosquitoes Infected with West Nile Virus Found in Areas of Campbell, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and San José

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. – The Santa Clara County Vector Control District (SCCVCD) confirmed on June 24 that adult mosquitoes collected from the 95030, 95032, 95008, and 95124 ZIP code areas of the cities of Campbell, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and San José tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The detection of mosquitoes infected with WNV has prompted the scheduling of a mosquito fogging treatment in the surrounding area, in an effort to prevent human cases of WNV. Weather permitting; the ground fogging is scheduled for Tuesday, July 1, at 11:00 p.m., and is planned to last for several hours. The zone is centered at Los Gatos Blvd. and Lark Ave.

“There is no cure for the West Nile Virus disease, only prevention” said Acting District Manager Russ Parman.“Draining standing water around your house reduces breeding sites for mosquitoes and helps reduce risk for human infections.”

The fogging area is generally bordered by White Oaks Rd. on the north; Charlotte Ave. and Blossom Vista Ave. on the east; Shannon Rd. and Blossom Hill Rd. on the south; and Winchester Blvd. and Golf link Dr. on the west.A live map can be viewed at http://bit.ly/1quGBUn.

Information packets were distributed in the fogging area beginning on Thursday, June 26, notifying residents about the fogging operation.As an added convenience, on Monday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 1 staff from the SCCVCD will be available during extended hours from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. via a dedicated phone line/voicemail (800-314-2427) to answer questions and provide information.

Transmitted by mosquito bites, WNV causes mild to severe flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and, in severe cases, significant neurological damage or even death.The elderly and those with compromised immune systems are most susceptible.Since the arrival of WNV to California in 2003, 4006 people across the State have contracted the disease; 145 of those cases were fatal.

“Residents can play a strategic role in preventing the spread of West Nile Virus,” said Parman.“It is important to remain vigilant by taking practical steps to eliminate mosquito breeding areas.”

Some practical measures against mosquito bites are:

At home:

· DRAIN or DUMP standing water weekly since this is where mosquitoes lay eggs. Check items such as flowerpots and planter bases, toys, cans, leaky water faucets and sprinklers, rain gutters, buckets, pools, ponds, and old tires.

·Clean and scrub bird baths and pet-watering dishes weekly.

·Make sure your DOORS and windows have tight-fitting screens.

Outdoors:

· Limit outdoor activities during DUSK & DAWN to prevent mosquito bites.Those are the times when the mosquitoes that transmit WNV are most active.

If you need to go outside in an area where mosquitoes are active:

· DRESS in long sleeve shirts and long pants, preferably of light colors.

· Apply insect repellent following label instructions.

Contact the Vector Control District if you are being bothered by mosquitoes or know of a potential mosquito-breeding source.

For free assistance on mosquito control, WNV, or other vectors, residents can contact the District office by calling (408) 918-4770 or fill out a service request online.